Vin Baker's Journey from Basketball to Barista

Connecticut Public Radio | By Catie Talarski,

Colin McEnroe

Published December 17, 2015 at 11:31 AM EST

Vin Baker was an Olympic basketball player and four-time NBA All Star. The journey from University of Hartford to professional basketball got him rich quick, but it was a lifestyle he couldn't keep up with.

Baker's struggle with alcoholism is well-documented, as is the fact he blew through $100 million. He lost his home and restaurant.

But Baker's on a new path now. He's getting his masters degree, he's a minister, and a manager at Starbucks.

This hour, we talk to Baker about his life, his regrets, and what he's looking towards in the future.

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Chion Wolf contributed to this show.

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Catie Talarski

Catie Talarski is Senior Director of Storytelling and Radio Programming at Connecticut Public.

See stories by Catie Talarski

Colin McEnroe

Colin McEnroe is a radio host, newspaper columnist, magazine writer, author, playwright, lecturer, moderator, college instructor and occasional singer. Colin can be reached at colin@ctpublic.org.

See stories by Colin McEnroe

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